The Irish designer showing that a small team in Northern Ireland can create a global luxury brand
Counting Rosalía, Gigi Hadid and Jennifer Hudson among those who have worn her designs since the brand’s inception in 2020, Hope Macaulay made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024, employs 20 local knitters on the north coast of Northern Ireland, and remains passionate about dopamine dressing.
I’m Hope, founder and creative director of my brand Hope Macaulay based on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. We are best known for our joyful, handcrafted, luxury knitwear that are handmade by my team of knitters in Northern Ireland.
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember! My granny taught me how to knit, then I picked it up again when I started my fashion degree. I fell in love with experimenting with lots of different materials and creating tactile, expressive garments.
My mission is to create wearable art that makes people feel happy, confident, and connected to craftsmanship. Every design celebrates colour, texture, and combines surreal storytelling with sustainable, slow fashion values.
We create statement, handcrafted knitwear such as our signature Colossal Knit cardigans, hand embroidered sweaters, blankets, cushions, jeans and printed garments too. Every piece is designed by me, and our knits are hand-knitted by our team of local artisans using luxurious merino wool and our own bespoke Irish alpaca yarn, spun just minutes from our studio.
The logistics
Money was definitely a concern for me at the start. I worked in Tesco during and after graduating from university to help fund the early stages of my brand. I was also lucky to receive a grant from my local council, which was a huge help and really allowed me to launch my first ready-to-wear collection.
The best business advice I’ve gotten has been to trust your instincts and stay true to your vision. The most useful lesson I’ve learned since setting up a business has been building a supportive team and learning to delegate. They have allowed me to focus on creativity and growth. But above all, I’ve learned to trust my gut. Following my instincts has always led the brand in the right direction and kept it true to its vision.
The brands to know
JW Anderson for Dior is a big inspiration for me! I’m so excited to see what he creates – his vision and innovation are always incredible. The fact that he’s also from Northern Ireland, from Magherafelt (where I was born too), makes it even more inspiring. It’s amazing to see someone from home making such an impact on a global stage.
I really admire other Irish creatives who are putting Northern Ireland and Ireland on the global design map. I love the work of Zara McLaughlin, a Northern Irish ceramic artist and maker (whom I collaborated with on our ceramics) and Eriu, which is a luxury Irish textile brand founded by Zoë & Lionel in Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Their mission is to revive and elevate Irish wool, traditionally undervalued and exported, by establishing a ‘farm to yarn’ supply chain built on traceability, ethical farming and artisan production.
If I had to pick my most beloved fashion purchase, it would be my recently acquired Charlotte Simone coat! I love her slow fashion approach and how each piece feels truly special. The limited drops, bold colour palettes and playful, nostalgic details really resonate with me.
The legacy
There have been so many proud moments for the brand so far! Being named in Forbes 30 Under 30 was definitely surreal, but honestly, seeing our knitters’ work loved all around the world, from New York to Tokyo, makes me proud every single day. Also working with my family (sister, mum, dad, granny and my boyfriend) is very fulfilling.
I want my brand to be remembered for joy, colour, craft and for bringing something truly handmade, emotional and imaginative into people’s lives, and for showing that a small team in Northern Ireland can create a global luxury brand.
If I could have anyone wear my designs, it would be Sabrina Carpenter in our Bow Chunky Knit Sweater; that would be incredible!
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